Locals React To Supreme Court Contraception Ruling

Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down part of the Affordable Care Act’s mandate for employer-provided contraceptive coverage, is sparking both praise and condemnation here in New Mexico.

Local abortion rights groups are decrying the decision. Denicia Cadena is communications director at Young Women United, an advocacy group for women of color in New Mexico.

“This is going to have huge implications across New Mexico and all over the United States,” Cadena said. “We know that with the high cost of contraception many working families aren’t going to be able to provide that coverage on their own.”

Right to Life Committee of New Mexico Executive Director Dauneen Dolce said her group is celebrating the ruling as a welcome development for employers’ religious freedom.

Local business groups, though, are holding back comment. The Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry said at this point they are not taking positions on the ruling.